backstory: i bought my '96 Probe GT from the original owner (a longtime friend) in 2004, when his new Mazda6 arrived. Sedan, sport package, silver over black leather, V6/stick, very nice car.
current story: he's picking up a '10 328i and the dealer offered him $3k in trade on the Mazda6. it's got about 130k on it, has been properly maintained and always kept clean. PGT still runs great with 224k on her, but little stuff is wearing out and starting to bug me a bit, so lately i've been shopping for her replacement.
question: Mazda6 engine durability. i believe this is a 3.0L Duratec, right? do they run forever?
i have to decide by friday and pick it up by sunday.
GO!
no responses in 8 hours? what's wrong with y'all? 
I believe the engine is more related to your 2.5L than the Duratec but I am not confident in that answer.
Mazda builds the cars that Toyota should. Quality construction, safe, durable, the difference between them is Mazda adds great performing and good looks.
moxnix
HalfDork
5/13/10 6:36 a.m.
The engine is the 3.0L Duratec. Most people I know with them have been pretty trouble free.
For 3 grand I don't think you can go wrong.
3 grand is what the Craigslist scammers list that car for. I say jump on it or tell me where to get it.
i have heard great things about the chassis( rigid, good handling). Doesnt seem like i sell to many parts for them which we sell to all of the garages around here so it usually a good indicator of which cars are problem childs.
Jump on it. The V6/5spd combo in that car is a great bit of fun.
Then please email me with the bottom dollar you'll take for your Probe. 
I have a 2007 6i (2.3) for a DD'er. Love it.
The 3.0 Duratech is a decent motor--they are also found in TauruSables, Escapes/Tribues and Lincoln LSs--point is they made about eleventybillion of them.
You cant go wrong for $3K. Have fun.
Strizzo
PowerDork
5/13/10 11:05 a.m.
do be aware that there were problems with the clutches on those v6/sticks, the stock clutch would wear out at 25k with normal driving, and if replaced with oem, would go out again at 50k.
given that your friend has made it to 130, i think this has already been handled.
93: the PGT will be available in about 3 weeks. i pm'd you.
strizzo, it's gone 127k on the OE clutch. perhaps they had an early-'04 issue that was fixed as a running change before his car was built.
we've struck a deal and i've made travel plans. i'm flying to BWI tomorrow after work and getting bombed with some friends, then saturday i'm going with him to the BMW dealer so he can pick up his new 328i sport, and i'll hit the road back to detroit around noon. with a hangover, i hope. ;-)
